iBio Patent Issues in China on Protein Glycosylation Modification

2018-03-13

NEW YORK, March 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IBIO, INC. (NYSE AMERICAN:IBIO) ("iBio") announced the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio with the issuance of a patent in China describing control of protein glycosylation. The new patent, serial number ZL 201280037381.X, is entitled "PNGASE F CO-EXPRESSION" and was issued January 30, 2018. The patent includes claims covering a method for generating deglycosylated proteins of interest in plants by co-expressing a bacterial PNGase-F enzyme.

"Glycosylation status is a very important factor affecting stability and efficacy of pharmaceutical proteins," said Dr. Terence Ryan, CSO of iBio. "That is why we offer our CDMO clients modification of the glycosylation pattern of target proteins when desired during manufacturing. This new patent extends our exclusive control of the covered invention into the important Chinese market for biopharmaceuticals."

In addition to many other advantages of iBio's technology over traditional animal and bacterial cell methods, iBio offers its CDMO clients the opportunity to modify the natural glycosylation patterns of proteins for possible improvements in drug performance and competitive profile. These modifications may include changing glycan composition, or even complete elimination of glycans from the target protein, in order to alter essential biological functions such as immunogenicity, specific activity, or ligand-receptor interactions of the protein. iBio has previously demonstrated the capability of controlling and remodeling the glycan component of antibodies manufactured in plants, and this patent further expands its ability to deliver biotherapeutics that are exquisitely tailored for their intended therapeutic use.

"China, which is actively seeking to expand its capacity for development and manufacture of biologics for its massive and underserved population, is an important market for our technology and products, one in which we are actively considering partners," said Robert Erwin, iBio's President. "Expanding our intellectual property portfolio in China and other Asian countries is an important part of our global strategy to deliver more efficient technology to meet growing global demand for high quality biologic products."

About iBio, Inc.

iBio, a leader in developing plant-based biopharmaceuticals, provides a range of product and process development, analytical, and manufacturing services at the large-scale development and manufacturing facility of its subsidiary iBio CDMO, LLC in Bryan, Texas. The facility houses laboratory and pilot-scale operations, as well as large-scale automated hydroponic systems capable of growing over four million plants as "in process inventory" and delivering over 300 kilograms of therapeutic protein pharmaceutical active ingredient per year.

iBio applies its technology for the benefit of its clients and the advancement of its own product interests. The Company's pipeline is comprised of proprietary candidates for the treatment of a range of fibrotic diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and scleroderma. iBIO-CFB03, based on the Company's proprietary gene expression technology, is the Company's lead therapeutic candidate being advanced for IND development.

Further information is available at: www.ibioinc.com

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